Reaction of Alabama player tells the whole story regarding controversial hit on Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar
The Vols’ starter took a nasty shot in Saturday’s loss to the Crimson Tide.
The Tennessee Volunteers’ evening could have been worse in their 37-20 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, although not much worse. Starting QB Joey Aguilar suffered a neck issue during the game after a hit that clearly had him in discomfort.
One of the most controversial moments came later in the first half, when Aguilar took off with the ball. He slid and gave himself up and ended up getting crushed by a late hit from Alabama defender James Smith, who appeared to drive an elbow right into the back of Aguilar’s head on the ground. Rightfully so, a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness gave Tennessee a first down.
However, while the penalty for the hit was mostly supported on social media, some tried to defend Smith’s actions. In case there was any doubt about how Alabama felt, Smith’s teammate Deontae Lawson made it clear with his response that he was with those who condemned the hit.
Video shows Alabama player addressing James Smith after hit on Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar
Lawson is shown talking in a somewhat animated fashion with Smith right after the hit. Although the AL.com tweet also says Kalen DeBoer was angry, it’s honestly hard to tell if he was yelling at Smith, who walked past him, or at someone else. Smith was seen talking with another coach after leaving the field and jogging to the sideline, who appeared up in his facemask, saying something to him quickly before walking away.
In any event, it was fortunate for Tennessee and Aguilar that his injury was not worse after what was an unnecessary and rough hit from Smith. While players are ejected from games for targeting for seemingly non-malicious contact on a ball carrier or intended receiver while trying to make a play, this type of contact is allowed to stand with only a penalty, not ejection. That just doesn’t make sense from an intent or a player safety perspective.
Hopefully, Aguilar is improving and won’t suffer any lasting effects as the Vols work this week to get ready for Kentucky on Saturday night.
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